3 17-dioxygenated 16alpha 17alpha-methano-5alpha-androstanes and unsaturated congeners

ABSTRACT

PREPARATION OF THE CAPTIONED COMPOUNDS-FOR EXAMPLE, 3B,17B-DIACETOXY-16A,17A-METHANO-5A-ANDROSTANE -AND THE ANDROGENIC AND ANABOLIC UTILITY THEREOF IS DISCLOSED.

United States Patent 3,646,074 Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3,646,074 3,17-DIOXYGENATED 16(X,17OL'METHANO'5DC' ANDROSTANES AND UNSATURATED CONGENERS William F. Johns, Glenview, Ill., assignor to G. D. Searle & Co., Chicago, Ill.

No Drawing. Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 766,300, Oct. 9, 1968. This application Nov. 26, 1969, Ser. No. 880,394

Int. Cl. C07c 169/08, 169/20 US. Cl. 260397.4 19 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Preparation of the captioned compounds for example, 3 e, l7fi-diacetoxy-l6a, l7a-rnethano-5 a-androstane and the androgenic and anabolic utility thereof is dis closed.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 766,300, filed Oct. 9, 1968, now abandoned.

This invention relates to 3,17-dioxygenated 16a,l7umethano-Sa-androstanes and unsaturated congeners thereof, and to processes for their preparation. More particularly, this invention provides new, useful, and unobvious steroids of the formulas wherein R represents hydroxy, alkanoyloxy, or alkoxy; R" represents hydrogen, hydroxy, or alkanoyloxy; Z represents fl-hydroxymethylene, ,B-(alkanoyloxy)methylene, or carbonyl; the dotted lines in rings A and B of Formula II signify A unsaturation when Z therein represents carbonyl and A unsaturation when it does not; and the dotted lines in rings A, B, and C of Formula III signify A A A A ),9 1 or A nnsaturation.

Among the alkanoyl constituents comprehended by R, R", and Z, lower alkanoyls are preferred, which is to say groupings of the formula I? lower alk yl C- Likewise, the alkoxys contemplated by R are preferably of lower order, thus having the formula lower alkylO Those skilled in the art will recognize that lower alkyls are saturated, monovalent, acyclic, straightor branchedchain, hydrocarbon groupings of empirical formula wherein n represents a positive integer less than 8, and representatively illustrated by methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec.-butyl, tert.-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, heptyl, etc.

Equivalent to the foregoing compounds for the purposes of this invention are the solvates thereof in which physiologically insignificant solvent for example, an equivalent amount of ethyl acetate is present.

The compounds to which this invention relates are useful by reason of their valuable biological properties. Thus, for example, they are androgenic. Compounds ty ified by 17/3 ethoxy 16a,l7a-methanoestr-4-en-3-one and 171iethoxy-16a,l7a-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one also manifest, unexpectedly, exceedingly potent anabolic activity.

The androgenic activity of the instant compounds is evident from the results of standardized test for their capacity to stimulate the growth of seminal vesicle and ventral prostate glands in castrated immature male rats. The procedure is essentially that described by Saunders and Drill, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med., 94, 646 (1957). Male Sprague-Dawley rats are castrated at 2224 days of age; and to each of a group of 5-9 such animals, beginning 19-21 days later, the compound to be tested, dissolved or suspended in corn oil or other physiologically inert vehicle, is administered intramuscularly or intragastrically in equally divided doses on each of 7 successive days. Commonly, the initial total dose is 5 mg. of compound in 0.7 ml. of corn oil administered intramuscularly or 15 mg. of compound in 1.4 ml. of corn oil administered intragastrically. A second group of 5 or more animals likewise and concurrently administered corn oil alone serves as controls. On the day after treatment is concluded, the animals are sacrificed; and the seminal vesicle and ventral prostate glands are excised and dissected free of extraneous tissue. Fluid is expressed from the vesicles (but not the prostates), whereupon the glands are blotted and weighed. A compound is considered androgenic if the mean weight of the vesicles in the group of animals treated therewith is significantly (P0.01) greater than the corresponding weight in the control group and thereis a proportionate increase in the mean prostate weight for treats vis-a-vis control. Intramuscular potency of the compound, relative to testosterone propionate, is determined by repeating the test at progressively diminishing doses until the minimum effective dose is found, dividing this dose by the minimum effective dose of testosterone propionate in the same test, and multiplying the quotient by 100. Intragastric potency, relative to l7-methyltestosterone, is determined by dividing a dose at which the compound is found to be androgenic by that dose of 17-methyltesterone sufiicient to produce an identical response in the same test, and multiplying the quotient by Theanaboilc activity of the instant compounds is evident from the results of a standardized test identical with that described above for the determination of androgenic activity except that an increase in weight of the levator ani muscles of the test animals is used as the index of activity.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that observations of activity in standardized tests for particular biological effects are fundamental to the development of valuable new drugs, both veterinary and human.

Preparation of the compounds of Formula I proceeds by contacting a 16-dehydro steroid of the formula in which R represents hydrogen or alkanoyloxy and x represents or 1 with diethylzinc and diiodomethane in butyl ether to give the corresponding 16a,17a-methano compound in which the ester group at carbon atom number 3 is preferentially hydrolyzed by contacting with aqueous potassium bicarbonate in methanol. Ester groups at both carbon atoms 3 and 17 are hydrolyzed by contacting with aqueous methanolic potassium hydroxide. Ester groups at all of carbon atoms 3, 5, and 17 are reduced to alcohols by contacting with lithium tetrahydroaluminate in ethereal tetrahydrofuran. The 3-hydroxy compounds are oxidized to 3-ones with chromium trioxide and pyridine. Since a 17-hydroxyl, if present, tends to be oxidized also under these conditions, it is preferable to prepare the 17-hydr0xy-3-ones by oxidizing the corresponding 3-hydroxy-17-esters with chromium trioxide in aqueous acetonic sulfuric acid and then hydrolyzing the 17-esters.

The compounds of Formula II are prepared from a ot-acetoxy-3fl-ol of the formula HBCO to the corresponding 160:,l7ot-II16lh21IlO compound with diethylzinc and diiodornethane in butyl ether, subjecting the methano compound to Birch reduction, and hydrolyzing the resultant enol ether with an alkanoic or mineral acid to afford the 5(l0)-en-3-one or 4-en-3-one, respectively. From the 5(10)-en-3-one, on appropriate contact with cold pyridinium bromide perbromide and pyridine, the 4,9-dien-3-one eventuates. This compound is converted to the 5(10),9(11)-dien-3-one dimethyl acetal with methanolic hydrogen chloride, the acetal is hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid in acetone, whereupon contact with dichlorodicyanoquinone in benzene affords the 4.9.ll-trien-3-one.

The 17-hydroxy and 17-alkanoyloxy compounds of Formula III are prepared by cleaving the ester linkage in 17,6acetoxy-16m,17ot-methano-3-methoxyestra 1,3,5 10)- triene with methyllithium in ether under nitrogen, preparing the trimethylsilyl ether of the resultant alcohol by contacting it with trimethylchlorosilane and hexamethyl-disila- Zane in pyridine, subjecting the ether to Birch reduction, and hydrolyzing the resultant enol diether with an alkanoic or mineral acid to afford the 17-hydroxy5(10)/4 en-3-one. The 17-hydroxy1 is esterified, if desired, by contacting with an alkanoic acid anhydride in pyridine; and the remaining 17-hydroxy/alkanoyloxy compounds of Formula III eventuate via the same procedures described above for preparation of their 17-alkoxy counterparts.

The following examples describe in detail compounds illustrative of the present invention and methods which have been devised for the preparation thereof. However, the invention is not to be construed as limited thereby, either in spirt or in scope, since it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis that many modifications, both of materials and of methods, may be practiced without departing from the purpose and intent of this disclosure. Throughout the examples hereinafter set forth, temperatures are given in degrees centigrade and relative amounts of materials in parts by weight, except as otherwise noted.

EXAMPLE 1 3 fl,17fl-diacetoxy-16ot, l7rx-methano-5 a-androstane To a solution of 108 parts of 35,175 diacetoxy 5aandrost-16-ene in 480 parts of butyl ether is added, with stirring, 74 parts of diethylzinc in a nitrogen atmosphere. There is then stirred in, during a 20-minute period, 210 parts of diiodomethane. The resultant mixture is stirred for 24 hours and then cautiously diluted with parts of ethanol, followed by 3 volumes of Water and sufiicient 5% hydrochloric acid to induce acidity. The mixture thus obtained is extracted with dichloromethane. The extract is washed with aqueous 2% potassium hydroxide, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 3fi,l7fl-(lia6lOXY-16a,17u methano ia-androstane which, recrystallized from acetone, melts at 178l8l.

EXAMPLE 2 16a,17u-methano-5m-androstane-3{3, 17/8-diol A solution of 1 part of 35,1713 diacetoxy 160:,l7lxroethano 5rx-androstane in 16 parts of methanol and 2 parts of aqueous 10% potassium hydroxide is allowed to stand at room temperatures for 2 hours, then diluted with parts of water. The resultant precipitate, isolated by filtration, dried, and recrystallized from acetone, affords :,1711 methano 5a-androstane-3fl,17fl-diol melting at 164-167".

EXAMPLE 3 17fi-acetoxy-l6a,17a-methano-5u-androstan-35-01 To a solution of 1 part of 35,175 diacetoxy-l6m,l7a methano-5a-androstane in 63 parts of tetrahydrofuran is consecutively added 112 parts of methanol and approximately 60 parts of a 1:1 mixture of water and saturated aqueous potassium bicarbonate. The resultant mixture is stirred for 3 hours and then diluted with 5 volumes of Water. The precipitate which forms is filtered out and chromatographed on silica gel, using benzene and ethyl acetate as developing solvents. From an eluate comprising 5% ethyl acetate in benzene, on evaporation of solvent and recrystallization of the residue from a mixture of dichlorome-thane and hexane, is obtained 17,6-acetoxy- 160:,17ot methano 5 x-androstan-3,8-ol melting at 134 136.

EXAMPLE 4 17fi-acetoxy-16a,17a-methanO-Sa-androstan-3-one To a solution of 16 parts of 173 acetoxy-16a,17amethano-5u-androstan-Bfi-ol in 160 parts of acetone at 5 is slowly added, with stirring, 26 parts of a solution made by dissolving parts of chromium trioxide in 20 parts of water and consecutively diluting with parts of concentrated sulfuric acid and parts of water. The resultant mixture is allowed to stand for 15 minutes, whereupon excess 2-propanol is introduced, followed by 5 volumes of water. The precipitate which forms is filtered out and recrystallized from aqueous methanol to give 175-acetoxy- 16a,17a-methano-5u-androstan-3-one melting at approximately 165-166.

EXAMPLE 5 17 fi-hydroxy-16a,17 x-methano-5 a-androstan-3-one A solution of 1 part of l'lB-ZICCtOXY-l60:,l7u-II16th2tIl0- 5m-androstan-3-one in 16 parts of methanol and 1 part of aqueous 10% potassium hydroxide is stirred at room temperatures for 3 hours and then diluted with 5 volumes of water. The resultant precipitate, isolated by filtration and recrystallized from aqueous acetone, affords l7fi-hydroxy 160:,170: methano-5a-androstan-3-one melting at EXAMPLE 6 (A) 318,5,17-triacetoxy-5a-androst-l6-ene A solution of 65 parts of 3B,5-dihydroxy-5u-androstan- 17-one and 4 parts of p-toluenesulfonic acid in 1800 parts of isopropenyl acetate is heated at the boiling point under reflux for 20 hours, then diluted with 3 volumes of ether, consecutively washed with aqueous 5% potassium bicarbonate and water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is chromatographed on activated magnesium silicate (Florisil), using benzene and hexane as developing solvents. From an eluate comprising 55% benzene in hexane, on evaporation of solvent and recrystallization of the residue from methanol, 3,6,5,17-triacetoxy-5a-androst16-ene melting at approximately 152-153 is obtained.

(B) 35,5,17,8-triacetoxy-16a-l7a-methano-5a-androstane To a solution of 108 parts of 3,8,5,l7-triacetoxy-5uandrost-16-ene in 480 parts of butyl ether is added, with stirring, 74 parts of diethylzinc in a nitrogen atmosphere. There is then stirred in, during a 20-minute period, 210 parts of diiodomethane. The resultant mixture is stirred for 24 hours and then cautiously diluted with 80 parts of ethanol, followed by 3 volumes of water and sufiicient 5% hydrochloric acid to induce acidity. The mixture thus obtained is extracted with dichloromethane. The extract is washed with aqueous 2% potassium hydroxide, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 3B,5,17;8-triacetoxy-16a, 17a-methano-5a-androstane which, recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol, melts at 230- 233.

EXAMPLE 7 16a,17u-methano-5 u-androstane-3 5,5,1713-trio1 To a solution of 2 parts of lithium tetrahydroaluminate in 280 parts of ether is added, during 20 minutes with stirring, a solution of 28 parts of 3B,5,17B-triacetoxy-16a, 17a-methano-5u-androstane in 360 parts of tetrahydrofuran. The resultant mixture is stirred for 20 hours at room temperatures, then slowly diluted with 450 parts of ethyl acetate followed consecutively by 20 parts of water and 10 parts of aqueous 10% potassium hydroxide. The mixture thus obtained is fitlered through a mixture of 4 parts of diatomaceous earth with 1 part of magnesium sulfate. The filtrate is stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation; and the residue is crystallized from a mixture of acetone and ethyl acetate to give 16a,17a-methano-5aandrostane 35,5,17B-triol solvated with 1 equivalent of ethyl acetate and melting at 178-1823. Solvent can beremoved by prolonged heating in vacuo at elevated temperatures.

EXAMPLE 8 S-acetoxy-l6a,17a-methano 50c -androstane-3B,17fi-diol and 5,17,8-diacetoxy-l6a,l7a-methano 5a androstan- 36-01 To a solution of approximately 1 part of 3,B,5,l7fl-triacetoxy-l6a,17a-methano-5a-androstane in parts of methanol is added 10 parts of water and 10 parts of aqueous saturated potassium bicarbonate. The resultant mixture is stirred at room temperatures for 7 /2 hours, then diluted with 5 volumes of Water. The precipitate which forms is filtered out, washed with water, dried in air, and recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and cyclohexane to give 5-acetoxy-l6a,17u-methano-Sa-androstane-35,175- diol hemiacetonate melting at 173-178, from which the solvent of crystallization can be removed by prolonged heating in vacuo at elevated temperatures. The mother liquors are combined and chromatographed on acidwashed alumina, using benzene and ethyl acetate as developing solvents. From an eluate comprising 20% benzene in ethyl acetate, on evaporation of solvent and crystallization of the residue from ether, 5,17(3-diacetoxy- 16a,l7a-methano-5a-androstan-3p-ol melting at l7918l is obtained.

EXAMPLE 9 5,17,3-diacetoxy-16a,17a-methano-5u-androstan-3-one A solution of 28 parts of 5,17fl-diacetoxy-l6a,l7 x-methano-5a-androstan-3fi-ol in 300 parts of pyridine is stirred into a slurry of 30 parts of chromium trioxide with 400 parts of pyridine at 5. Stirring is continued for 4 hours at ambient temperatures, whereupon the mixture is diluted with 3 volumes of water and extracted with ether. The extract is washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation at less than 35. The residue is crystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane to give 5,17fi-diacetoxy-16u,17amethano-Sa-andrQstan-B-one.

EXAMPLE 10 (A) 3/3-acetoxy-5a-androstan-17-one dimethyl acetal To a solution of 520 parts of 3fi-acetoxy-5u-androstan-l7-one in 2000 parts of methanol and 500 parts of methyl orthoformate is added 6 parts of concentrated sulfuric acid. The resultant solution is heated at the boiling point under reflux for 10 minutes during which precipitation occurs. The mixture is chilled and mixed with parts of pyridine, whereupon insoluble solids are filtered off, washed with methanol, and taken up in dichloromethane. The dichloromethane solution is washed with aqueous 1% potassium hydroxide, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 35-acetoxy-5a-androstan-l7-one dimethyl acetal.

(B) 3 ,B-acetoxy- 1 7-methoxy-5 a-androstl 6-ene A mixture of 45 parts of 3B-acetoxy-5a-androstan-17- one dimethyl acetal and 270 parts of p-cymene is heated at the boiling point under reflux for 65 hours, then stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The amorphous residue is 3f3-acetoxy-l7-meth0xy-5a-androst-16-ene.

(C) 3,8-acetoxy-l6u,17a-methano-17flmethoxy-S a-androstane To a solution of 108 parts of 3,8-acetoxy-17-methoxy- 5ix-androstl6ene in 480 parts of butyl ether is added, with stirring, 74 parts of diethylzinc in a nitrogen atmosphere. There is then stirred in, during a 20-minute pe riod, 210 parts of diiodomethane. The resultant mixture is stirred for 24 hours and then cautiously diluted with 80 parts of ethanol, followed by 3 volumes of water and sufircient 5% hydrochloric acid to induce acidity. The

mixture thus obtained is extracted with dichloromethane. The extract is washed with aqueous 2% potassium hydroxide, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 3B-acetoxy- 16a,17a-methano-l7fi-methoxy-5ot-androstane which, recrystallized from methanol, melts at approximately 129- 130.

EXAMPLE l1 16a,1Wit-methano-17/3-methoxy-5a-androstan-3B-ol A solution of 1 part of 3B-acetoxy-l6a,17a-methano 17B-methoxy-5ot-andr0stane in 16 parts of methanol and 2 parts of aqueous 10% potassium hydroxide is heated at the boiling point under reflux for 1 hour, then diluted with 100 parts of water. The resultant precipitate, isolated by filtration, dried, and recrystallized from a mixture of chloroform and cyclohexane, affords 16,17amethano-l7fi-methoxy-Sa-andr0stan-3fi-0l melting at approximately 195l96.

EXAMPLE 12 16m,17amethano-17,8-methoxy-5ot-androstan-3-one A solution of 28 parts of l6ot,l7a-methano-l7fi-methoxy-ot-androstan-3B-ol in 300 parts of pyridine is stirred into a slurry of 30 parts of chromium trioxide with 400 parts of pyridine at 5. Stirring is continued for 4 hours at ambient temperatures, whereupon the mixture is diluted with 3 volumes of water and extracted with ether. The extract is washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation at less than 35. The residue is crystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol to give 16oz,17ot-H1Bth ano-17fl-methoxy 5a androstan-3-one melting at 149- 151.

EXAMPLE l3 3,8-acetoxy-l718-ethoxy-16e,17u-methano-5ot-androstane To a solution of 108 parts of 3,6-acetoxy-17-ethoxy-5uandrost-16-ene in 480 parts of butyl ether is added, with stirring, 74 parts of diethylzinc in a nitrogen atmosphere. There is then stirred in, during a 20-minute period, 210 parts of diiodomethane. The resultant mixture is stirred for 24 hours and then cautiously diluted with 80 parts of ethanol, followed by 3 volumes of water and suflicient 5% hydrochloric acid to induce acidity. The mixture thus obtained is extracted with dichloromethane. The extract is washed with aqueous 2% potassium hydroxide, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 3 B-acetoxy-17/S-ethoxy-160,l7otmethano-5ot-androstane which, recrystallized from methanol, melts at 147-149.

EXAMPLE 14 17/s-ethoxy-16a,1Wit-methano-5a-androstan-3e-ol A solution of 1 part of 3B-acetoxy-17fi-ethoxy-1611,17- methano-5a-androstane in 16 parts of methanol and 2 parts of aqueous potassium hydroxide is heated at the boiling point under reflux for 1 hour, then diluted with 100 parts of water. The resultant precipitate, isolated by filtration, dried and recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane, affords 17fl-6thOXY-l6a,l7acmethano-Su-ahdrostan-Bfi-ol melting at l87189.

EXAMPLE l7e-ethoxy-l611,17u-metl1ano-5tx-androstan-3-one Substitution of 28 parts of 176 ethoxy l6ot,17amethano-5u-androstan-3fl-ol for the 5,17 3diacetoxy 160a, 17a-methano-5u-androstan-3fl-ol called for in Example 9, affords, by the procedure there detailed, l7fl-ethoxy-16a, 17a-me'thano-5ot-androstan-S-one melting at 142145.

EXAMPLE 16 (A) 3/3,S-diacetoxy-M-androstan-l7-one A slurry of parts of 3/3,5-dihydrOXy-Sm-androstan- 17-one in 4 parts of ptoluenesulfonic acid, 200 par-ts of acetic anhydride, and 200 parts of acetic acid is stirred at room temperatures for 4 hours, then diluted with 3 volumes of a 1:1 mixture of ice and water. The resultant mixture is stirred for 1 hour longer, whereupon insoluble solids are filtered off, washed with Water, and recrystallized from aqueous acetone to give 3,8,5-diacetoxy- 5a-androstan-17-one melting at 155-158".

(B) 35,5-diacetoxy-5e-androstan-17-one diethyl acetal To a mixture of parts of 3B,5-diacetoxy-5a-andro stan-17-one, parts of ethanol, parts of benzene, and 270 parts of ethyl orthoformate is added 9 parts of concentrated sulfuric acid. The mixture is stirred at room temperatures for 2 hours, whereupon, 20 parts of tetramethylguanidine followed by 5 volumes of benzene is introduced. The resultant mixture is consecutively Washed with aqueous 1% potassium hydroxide and water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 319,S-diacetOXy-Sa-andwstan-l7- one diethyl acetal which, recrystallized from a mixture of methanol and ether, melts at approximately 176-177".

(C) 3,8,5-diacetoxy-17-ethoxy-5a-androst-16-ene A mixture of 63 parts of 3p,S-diacetoxy-Sa-andrOstan- 17-one diethyl acetal, 1 part of pyridine, and 1250- parts of p-cymene is heated at the boiling point under reflux for 20 hours, whereupon solvent is removed by vacuum distillation. The residue is 35,5-diacetoxy-17-ethoxy-5aandrost-16-ene.

(D) 3;3,5-diacetoxy-17fi-ethoxy-16a, I'M-methano- 5u-androstane To a solution of 108 parts of 3B,5-diacetoxy-17-ethoxy- 5u-audrost-l6-ene in 480 parts of butyl ether is added, with stirring, 74 parts of diethylzinc in a nitrogen atmosphere. There is then stirred in, during a 20-minute period, 210 par-ts of diiodomethane. The resultant mixture is stirred for 24 hours and then cautiously diluted with 80 parts of ethanol, followed by 3 volumes of water and suflicient 5% hydrochloric acid to induce acidity. The mixture thus obtained is extracted with dichloromethane. The extract is Washed with aqueous 2% potassium hydroxide, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 33,5-diacetoxy 17,5-ethoxy-16a,17a-methano-5m-androstane which, recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol, melts at 194197.

EXAM PLE l 7 l7p-ethoxy-l 6a, 17a-methano-5 a-androstane-3 ;3,5-diol To a solution of 2 parts of lithium tetrahydroaluminate in 280 parts of ether is added, during 20 minutes with stirring, a solution of 28 parts of 3fl,5-diacetoxy-l7[3- ethoxy-16a,l7u-methano-5a-androstane in 360 parts of tetrahydrofuran. The resultant mixture is stirred for 20 hours at room temperatures, then slowly diluted with 450 parts of ethyl acetate followed consecutively by 20 parts of water and 10 parts of aqueous 10% potassium hydroxide. The mixture thus obtained is filtered through a mixture of 4 parts of diatomaceous earth with 1 part of magnesium sulfate. The filtrate is stiripped of solvent by vacuum distillation; and the residue is crystallized from a mixture of acetone, hexane, and ether to give l7 8-ethoxy- 16a,17a-methano5ot-androstane-3;3,5-diol as the hemiacetonate melting at 204-206. Solvent can be removed by prolonged heating in vacuo at elevated temperatures.

EXAMPLE 1s 17B-ethoxy-5-hydroxy-16a,17a-methano-5uandrostan-3-one A solution of 28 parts of 17B-ethoxy-16a,17a-methanoa-androstane-3B,5-diol in 300 parts of pyridine is stirred into a mixture of 30 parts of chromium trioxide with 400 parts of pyridine at 5. The resultant mixture is stirred for 4 hours at ambient temperatures, then diluted with 3 volumes of water and extracted with ether. The extract is Washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 176 ethoxy 5-hydroxy-16a,17a-rnethano-5u-androstan- 3-one.

EXAMPLE 19 S-acetoxy-17,8-ethoxy-16a,17a-methano-5-androstan-3B-o1 A mixture of 14 parts of 313,5-diacetoxy-17B-ethoxy- 16a,17u-methano-5a-androstane, 1200 parts of methanol, 50 parts of water, and 100 parts of aqueous saturated potassium bicarbonate is stirred at room temperatures for 8 hours, then diluted with 6 volumes of water. The resultant precipitate is filtered otf, Washed with water, dried in air, and recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane to give 5 acetoxy 1713 ethoxy-16u,l7umethanO-Su-androstan-3p-ol melting at 186-189".

EXAMPLE S-acetoxy-17B-ethoxy-l6a,l7a-methano-5aandrostan-3-one Substitution of 28 parts of S-acetoxy-17B-ethoxy-16a, 17u-methano-5a-androstan-3B-ol for the 17B-ethoxy-l6a, 17a-methano-5a-androstane-36,5-diol called for in 'Example 18 affords, by the procedure there detailed, 5- acetoxy 17 3 ethoxy-16a,17a-methano-5a-androstan-3- one which, recrystallized from acetone, melts at approximately 175176.

EXAMPLE 21 l7,8-acetoxyl 60L, 1 7u-methanoandrost-5-en-3fi-ol A solution of 2 parts of 5,l7,8-diacetoxy-16a,17amethano-5a-androstan-3,6-ol in 45 parts of benzene is adsorbed on 160 parts of alumina moistened with benzene. Elution with 5% ethyl acetate in benzene 48 hours later affords, after evaporation of solvent and recrystallization of the residue from a mixture of dichloromethane and hexane, l7 3-acetoxy-16a,l7a-methanoandrost-5-en- 313-01 melting in the range 118-126.

EXAMPLE 22 17fi-acetoxy-16a,l7a-methanoandrost-4-en-3-one EXAMPLE 23 17,8-hydroxy-16a,17u-methanoandrost-4-en-3-one A solution of 14 parts of 17/3-acetoxy-16a,Wot-methanoandrost-4-en-3-one in 400 parts of methanol and 25 parts of aqueous 10% potassium hydroxide is stirred at room temperatures for 3 hours. The solution is then diluted with 5 volumes of water, and the resultant mixture is extracted with dichloromethane. The extract is washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 17,8-hydroxy- 161x,17a-methanoandrost-4-en-3-one which, from aqueous acetone, melts at 77-81 EXAMPLE 24 16oz,l7a-methanoandrost-5-ene-3B,17B-diol A solution of 14 parts of 17fi-acetoxy-16a,Hot-methanoandrost-5-en-3B-ol in 400 parts of methanol and 25 parts of aqueous 10% potassium hydroxide is stirred at room temperatures for 3 hours. The solution is then diluted with 5 volumes of water, and the resultant mixture is extracted with dichloromethane. The extract is washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 160:,l7oc-H16thflIl0- androst-5-ene-3B,17fl-diol, which is further purified by crystallization from a mixture of acetone and hexane.

EXAMPLE 25 17,8-ethoxy-16a,17a-rnethanoandrost-5-en-3fi-ol A solution of 2 parts of 5-acetoxy-17fi-ethoxy-1604,17amethano-Sa-androstan-3fi-ol in 45 parts of benzene is ad sorbed on 160 parts of alumina moistened with benzene. Elution with 5% ethyl acetate in benzene 48 hours later affords, after evaporation of solvent and recrystallization of the residue from a mixture of ether and hexane, 17,6- ethoxy-l6a,17a-methanoandrost 5 en 3B ol melting at 151153.

crystallized EXAMPLE 26 35-acetoxy-17fl-ethoxy-16 a,17a-methanoandrost-5-ene A solution of 1 part of 17 3-ethoxy-16u,Hot-methanoandrost-5-en-3B-ol in 10 parts of pyridine and 5 parts of acetic anhydride is heated at for 10 minutes, then cooled to room temperature and diluted with 1 part of water. The resulting mixture is allowed to stand for 10 minutes whereupon 3 volumes of water is introduced and the precipitate which forms is filtered off, washed with water, dried in air, and recrystallized from aqueous acetone to give 3/8-acetoxy-17B-ethoxy-16a,Nix-methanoandrost-S-ene.

EXAMPLE 27 17,8-ethoXy-l6a,17a-methanoandrost-4-en-3-one A solution of 8 parts of 17fi-ethoxy-l6a,17a-methano androst-5-en-3B-ol and 20 parts of cyclohexanone in 1045 parts of toluene is distilled to 80% of its original volume, whereupon 9 parts of aluminum isopropoxide dissolved in approximately 50 parts of toluene is added. After 15 minutes, the boiling solution is allowed to cool; and excess Rochelle salt solution is introduced. The resultant mixture is steam distilled for /2 hour, and the precipitate which thereupon forms is filtered off and recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and hexane to give 17 8-ethoxy- 16a,17a-methanoandrost-4-en-3-one melting at 166-168.

EXAMPLE 28 (A) 17-ethoxy-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraene A solution of parts of 3methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)- trien-17-one diethyl acetal in 430 parts of cymene is distilled at atmospheric pressure to /2 it original volume during 48 hours, whereupon the remainder of the solvent is removed by vacuum distillation. The residue is 17- ethoxy-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10),16-tetraene.

(B) 17B-ethoxy-16a,17a-methano-3-methoxyestra- 1,3,5(10)-triene Substitution of 101 parts of 17-ethoxy-3-methoxyestra- 1,3,5(10),16-tetraene for the 3/3-acetoxy-17-methoxy-5aandrost-16-ene called for in Example 10C affords, by the procedure there detailed, 17fl-ethoxy-16a,17a-methano-3 methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-triene melting at 8890.

(C) 17fl-ethoxy-16a,17a-methano-3-methoxyestra- 2,5 10) -diene To 545 parts of liquid ammonia and 320 parts of tert.- butyl alcohol is added a solution of 23 parts of 17pethoxy-16a,17a-methano 3 methoxyestra 1,3,5(10)- triene in 360 parts of tetrahydrofuran followed, portion- Wise, by 4 parts of lithium wire. After 40 minutes, sufficient solid ammonium chloride (approximately 10 parts) is introduced, portionwise, to cause the blue color to disappear. The ammonia is thereupon evaporated, and organic solvents are removed from the residue by steam distillation. From the distilland, on cooling, 17B-ethoxy- 16a,l7ot methano 3 methoxyestra 2,5 (10) diene precipitates. Filtered oif, Washed with water, dried in air, and recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol, the product melts at 93-95 A solution of 14 parts of 17B-ethoxy-16a,Hot-methano- 3-methoxyestra-2,5(10)-diene in 240 parts of methanol, 60 parts of water, and approximately 28 parts of concentrated hydrochloric acid is allowed to stand at room temperatures for 2 hours, whereupon volumes of water is mixed in. Insoluble solids are filtered off, washed with water, dried in air, and recrystallized from a mixture of dichloromethane and hexane to give l7 8-ethoxy-l6a,l7umethanoestr-4-en-3-one melting at 130-133".

EXAMPLE 29 17 8-ethoxy-16a,17m-rnethauoestr-5( lO)-en-3-one To 100 parts of aqueous 95% acetic acid is added, with stirring, 5 parts of l7j8-ethoxy-l6ot,17ot-methano-3- methoxyestra-2,5()-diene. After minutes, the resultant solution is diluted with 5 volumes of water and the precipitate which forms is filtered off and recrystallized from aqueous methanol to give 175 ethoxy 1611,17- metbanoestr-S(10)-en-3-one melting at 94-98".

EXAMPLE 30 17fi-ethoxy-l6a,17ot-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one To a solution of 3 parts of 17 3 ethoxy 16u,17amethanoestra-5(10)-en-3-one in 30 parts of pyridine at 5 is added 4 parts of pyridinium bromide perbromide. An orange precipitate forms. After 15 minutes, 5 volumes of water is introduced; and the precipitate is filtered out, dried in air, and stirred into 50 parts of pyridine. Solution occurs. After 2 hours, 5 volumes of water is introduced and the resultant mixture extracted with benzene. The extract is washed with Water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is recrystallized from a mixture of ether and hexane, using decolorizing charcoal in process, to afford 1713 ethoxy 16a,17u methanoestra- 4,9-dien-3-one melting at 102-104.

EXAMPLE 31 (A) 17fl-ethoxy-l6ot,l7a-methanoestra-5(10),9(11)- dien-3-one dimethyl acetal To a solution of 2 parts of hydrogen chloride in 160 parts of absolute methanol is added 3 parts of 17fi-ethoxyl6a,l7a-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one. After 15 minutes, the resultant solution is chilled to 5, whereupon excess solid sodium methoxide is added. Approximately 5 volumes of water is then introduced; and the resultant crystalline mass is filtered off, Washed with water, dried in air, and recrystallized from methanol to give 17t9-ethoxy- 16a,l7a-methanoestra-(5( 10) ,9( 11)-dien-3-one dimethyl acetal melting at 89-96".

(B) 17,8-ethoxy-l6a,l7a-methanoestra-5(10),9(l1)- dien-3-one To a mixture of 5 parts of aqueous 10% sulfuric acid and 320 parts of acetone is added 13 parts of l7B-ethoxyl6oc,l7o'. methanoestra 5(10),9(10) dien 3 one dimethyl acetal. The resultant mixture is allowed to stand for 5 minutes at room temperature, whereupon 5 volumes of water is introduced; and the precipitate which forms is isolated by filtration, washed with water, dried 12 in air, and recrystallized from aqueous acetone to give 175 ethoxy 16:1,170: methanoestra 5(10),9(11)- dien-3-one melting at 123-126".

EXAMPLE 32 17,3-ethoxy-16a,17ot-rnethanoestra-4,9,1 1-trien-3-one To a solution of 9 parts of 17,8 ethoxy 16a,17mmethanoestra 5(10),9(11) dien 3 one in 450 parts of benzene is added a solution of 15 parts of dich1oro dicyanoquinone in 450 parts of benzene. Approximately 2 hours later, the resultant solution is consecutively Washed with water and aqueous 2% sodium thiosulfate, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 175- ethoxy-l6m,17a-methanoestra-4,9, 1 1-trien-3-one.

EXAMPLE 33 (A) 16a,l7a-methano-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)- trien- 175-01 To a stirred solution of 50 parts of 17;3-acetoxy-16a, 17a. methano 3 methoxyestra 1,3,5(10) triene in 1400 parts of ether at 5 under nitrogen is slowly added a solution of 9 parts of methyllithiurn in parts of ether. Cooling is stopped; but stirring is continued for 10 minutes at ambient temperatures, whereupon the re sultant mixture is poured into a suspension of 100 parts of boric acid in 5000 parts of water. The ether phase is separated, washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 16a,l7a methano 3 methoxyestra 1,3,5 (10) trien 17B 01, which can be further purified by recrystallization from a mixture of ether and hexane.

( B) 1 641,170c-Ih6ihfl110-3 -methoxy- 17 fi-trimethylsiloxyestra- 1,3 ,5 1 0) -triene To a solution of 5 parts of t,170t methano 3- methoxyestra l,3,5(10) trien 17,8 01 in 155 parts of ether is added a solution of 36 parts of hexamethyldisilazane in 500 parts of pyridine, followed by 22 parts of trimethylchlorosilane. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperatures for 3 hours, then diluted with 3 volumes of water. The resultant mixture is extracted with ether. The ether extract was Washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 16a,17a methano- 3 methoxy 17 5' trimethylsiloxyestra 1,3,5(10)- triene, which can be further purified by crystallization from pentane.

(C) 1 6a, 1 7a-methano-3-methoxy-17,8-trimethylsiloxyestra-2,5 10)-diene To 680 parts of liquid ammonia is added, with stirring, a solution of 19 parts of l6a,17m methano 3 methoxy- 17B trimethylsiloxyestra 1,3,5 10) triene in a mixture of 270 parts of tetrahydrofuran and 240 parts of tert.-butyl alcohol, followed by 5 parts of lithium. Stirring is continued for 20 minutes, whereupon. suflicient solid ammonium chloride (approximately 19 parts) is added to discharge the blue color. Ammonia is distilled off by slowly warming to 10; and temperatures are maintained below 15 while 5 volumes of water is introduced, the reaction mixture is extracted with dichloromethane, and the extract is washed with water and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Solvent is removed by vacuum distillation. The residue is 1611,1702 methano 3 methoxy 17;? trimethylsiloxyestra 2,5(10) diene, which can be further purified by crystallization from hexane.

(D) 16a,17a-methano-l7fi-hydroxyestr-5( 10) -en-3 -one A solution of 14 parts of 16a,17u methano 3 methoxy trimethylsiloxyestra 2,5 (10) diene in 900 parts of aqueous 90% acetic acid is allowed to stand for 15 minutes, then diluted with 3 volumes of Water.

The resultant mixture is extracted with benzene; and the extract is washed with aqueous 2% sodium bicarbonate, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is l6a,17umethano 17,8 hydroxyestr (10) en 3 one, which can be further purified by crystallization from a mixture of acetone and hexane.

To a solution of 1 part of 16a,l7a methano 3 methoxy 17,8 trimethylsiloxyestra 2,5 diene in 8 parts of methanol is added 1 part of 10% hydrochloric acid. The resultant solution is allowed to stand at room temperatures for 1 hour, whereupon 3 volumes of water is introduced and the mixture thus obtained is extracted with dichloromethane. The extract is washed with aqueous 2% sodium bicarbonate, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is l6u,17ot methano 17B hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one, which can be further purified by crystallization from a mixture of acetone and hexane.

7 EXAMPLE 35 17 fi-acetoxy-l 6oz, l7a-methanoestr-4-en-3-one A solution of 2 parts of 16a,l7a-methano-17fi-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one in 10 parts of pyridine and 5 parts of acetic anhydride is allowed to stand at room temperatures for 16 hours, whereupon /2 volume of water is introduced during 20 minutes and a further 2 /2 volumes of water is rapidly introduced thereafter. The resultant mixture is extracted with benzene. The benzene extract is washed with aqueous 2% sodium bicarbonate, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is l7fl-acetoxy-16a,l7a-methanoestr-4-en-3 one, which can be further purified by crystallization from aqueous acetone.

EXAMPLE 36 17 S-acetoxy-16a,17a-methanoestr-5(10)-en-3-one Substitution of 2 parts of 16a,17a-methano-17B-hydroxyestr-5(10)-en-3-one for the 16a,17u-methano-17/3- hydroxyestr-4 en-3-one called for in Example 35 affords, by the procedure there detailed, 17,9-acetoxy-16a,l7otmethanoestr-5(10)-en-3-one.

EXAMPLE 37 17fi-acetoxy-16a,17a-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one Substitution of 3 parts of 17/3-flCfitOXY-160:,l7a-l116th3t10- estr-5(10)-en-3-one for the l7 8-ethoxy-l6a,17a-methanoestra-5(10)-en-3-one called for in Example 30 afiords, by the procedure there detailed, 17,8-acetoxy-l6a,l7a-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one.

EXAMPLE 3 8 l7 3-hydroxy- 16m,17a-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one A solution of 1 part of 17B-acetoxy-16a,17a-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one in 12 parts of methanol is concentrated to /3 of the'original volume by vacuum distillation under nitrogen, whereupon 1 part of aqueous 10% potassium hydroxide prepared-from deoxygenated water in a nitrogen atmosphere is introduced. The reaction mixture is maintained under nitrogen for 3 hours, at which point 3 volumes of water is'added and the mixture thus obtained is extracted with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane extract is washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is 17/3-hydI0XY-160:,17oc-II1Cthanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one, which can be further purified by crystallization from a mixture of acetone and hexane.

EXAMPLE 39 (A) 17fl-acetoxy-16u,17u-methanoestra-5(10),9(-11)- dien-3-one dimethyl acetal Substitution of 3 parts of 17(3-acetoxy-16a,17oc-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one for the 17fi-ethoxy-16a, L-H1eth3I10- estra-4,9-dien-3-one called for in Example 31A affords, by the procedure there detailed, 17B-acetoxy-16a,17o-meth anoestra-S 10) ,9 1.1 )-dien-3-one dimethyl acetal.

(B) 17 ;S-acetoxy-16 x,17 a-methanQestra-S 10) ,9 1 1 dien-3-one Substitution of 13 parts of 17B-acetoxy-16w,17a-methanoestra-5(10),9(r11)-dien-3-one dimethyl acetal for the l75-ethoxy-16a,17a-methanoestra-5(10),9(11) dien 3- one dimethyl acetal called for in Example 31B affords, by the procedure there detailed, 17fi-acetoxy-l6a,Hot-methanoestra-5(10),9(11)-dien-3-one.

EXAMPLE 40 17 p-acetoxy-16a,17a-methanoestra-4,9,11-trien-3-one Substitution of 9 parts of l7fi-acetoxy-16a,l7m-methanoestra-S 10),9(l1)dien-3-one for the 17,8-ethoxy-16a, 17a-methanoestra-5 (10) ,9( l1)-dien-3-one called for in Example 32 affords, by the procedure there detailed, 1713- acetoxy-l6a,17a-methanoestra-4,9,11-trien-3-one.

EXAMPLE 41 l7fi-hydroxy-1 6oz, 17a-methanoestra-4,9,1 l-triene-3-one Substitution of 1 part of 17fl-acetoxy-16a,17a-methanoestra-4,9,1l-trien-3-one for the -acetoxy-16a,17u-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3one called for in Example 38 affords, by the procedure there detailed, 17p-hydroxy-16a,17a methanoestra-4,9,l 1-trien-3-one.

What is claimed is:

1. A compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formulas III wherein R represents hydroxy, (lower alkanoyl)oxy, or lower alkoxy; R" represents hydrogen, hydroxy, or (lower alkanoyl)oxy; Z represents fi-hydroxymethylene, ;8-[(lower alkanoyl)oxy]methylene, or carbonyl; the dotted lines in rings A and B of Formula II signify A unsaturation when Z therein represents carbonyl and A unsaturation when it does not; and the dotted lines in rings A, B, and C of Formula 111 signify A M A A or A4911 unsaturation.

15 2. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula lower alkyl-COO wherein R represents (lower alkanoyl)oxy or lower alkoxy.

3. A compound according to claim 1 which is 313- acetoxy-17B-ethoxy-16e,17m-methan0-5u-androstane.

4. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula wherein R represents hydroxy, (lower alkanoyhoxy, or lower alkoxy.

5. A compound according to claim 1 which is 1718- ethoxy-16a,17a-methano-5u-androstan-3fi-ol.

6. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula wherein R represents hydroxy, (lower alkanoyljloxy, or lower alkoxy.

7. A compound according to claim 1 which is 1713- ethoXy-16 ,17 a-methanO-Sa-androstan-3-one.

3. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula wherein R represents hydroxy, (lower alkanoyl)oxy, or lower alkoxy and R"' represents hydroxy or (lower alkanoyl)oxy.

11. A compound according to claim' l'which is acetoxy- 1 60a, 17a-methanoandrost-5-en-3 ,6-01.

12. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula wherein R represents hydroxy, (lower alkanoy1)oxy, or lower alkoxy.

13. A compound according to claim 1 which is 175- acetoxy-16a,17 a-methanoandrost-4-en 3-one. 14. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula a I wherein R represents hydroxy, (loweralkanoyl)oxy, or lower alkoxy and the dotted line in ring A signifies A or A unsaturation. V

15. A compound according to claim 1 which is 17 8- ethoxy-loa,l7a-methanoester-4-en-3-one. 1

16. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula wherein R represents hydroxv, (lower alkanoyl)oxy, or lower alkoxy and the dotted lines in rings A, B, and C signify A or M unsaturation.

17. A compound according to claim 1 which is l7fi-ethoxy-16a,17u-methanoestra-4,9-dien-3-one.

18. A compound according to claim 1 having the formula wherein R represents hydroxy, (lower allanoyDoxy, or lower alkoxy. 1

19. A compound according to claim 1 which is 175- ethoxy-i6a,17a-methanoestra-4,9,1 1-triene-3-one'.

References Cited 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,492,318 l/l970 Crabbe 260-397.3

LEWIS GOTTS, Primary Examiner E, G. LOVE, Assistant Examiner US. 01. X.R. 

